Ford's well-known slogan, Quality is Job 1, took a beating the past couple of years as quality gaffes and product recalls hurt business and damaged its reputation. But, the company is looking to improve quality with more efficient plants and production processes and improving communications and relationships with its worldwide network of suppliers.
Ford, which lost $5.5 billion in 2001, has embarked on a five-year restructuring plan that includes closing several assembly plants and revamping others. The company also plans to reduce concept to roll-out time so that it can build cars that appeal to consumers' taste.